I just realized last night (April 26) that I had not posted anything for months on this blog. Now this is now way a sign that I have not had anything to say. I have had many things to say and even made many statements. Most were in the form of Sunday sermons (maybe I can find a way to get them posted someday). This realization came as I was attempting to go to sleep. I started thinking about some ideas to keep me connected to the blogging and my summer activities. Two things came to mind, both involve a software program I have used for years, but just recently upgraded to the newest version.
I purchased the Logos Bible Software about seven years ago. I have found it to be an invaluable resource in preparing sermons and Bible Study. There are a multitude of editions from the basic novice to the expert scholar. I would recommend this software to anyone looking to purchase a Bible Study program. More information is available at logos.com. I mention this software because it is the source of what I hope (pray to keep) as the source of the content of the blog. It comes from one tool in particular, the Bible reading plan.
Two years ago, I planned a Bible study using the Bible Reading plan to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I invited as many people from the church to join me. We meet on Tuesdays over lunch to encourage everyone, look at what we read and what we were to read the next week. I recieved some feedback on the plan and now, I think I might just make the 90 plan come again. This summer I plan on putting together a reading list to read the entire Bible in June, July and August. Sermons on Sunday will be chosen from the readings of the coming week. So, I will be forced to preach on texts that will challenge myself and the congregation. I hope folks from the congregation will join along. But that is not the topic of the day.
I am currently reading the Bible using the whole Bible in a year plan from the Logos Software. I just started this plan and today I finished Genesis. The end of Genesis focuses on the death of Jacob and Joseph, Jacob's son. The chapters speak of reconciliation between the family and the struggle and worries of Joseph's brothers. The theme that caught my eye was the quote, " 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:19-21, New International Version)
Many are the times we make plans. Sometimes this plans are for the benefit of others. Some of the plans are for the destruction of others. What this passage reminds me is that our plans are not the end all. Joseph's brothers were selfish and jealous of there brother. He had dreams that portrayed all his older brothers and parents bowing before him. Joseph was also the favorite son of Jacob. This made the other 10 brothers very upset (this is an understatement). They wanted to kill him, but ratehr they sold him into slavery to make money for themselves. Then, they lied to their father about the reality of Joseph's life. All of these acts were made in selfish jealous rage.
All these plans were made by people. They were the desire of humans. Yet, God used these selfish acts to bring about good. For as the story goes forward, Joseph is put through the tests in Egypt. Eventually he finds favor in Egypt and becomes the head honcho. In this time, Joseph learn that a famine will be coming and he prepares all of Egypt for the famine. It is through this preparation, all of the people of the starting nation of Israel are saved. Joseph's position allows him to bring his family to Egypt and save them. What was planned as evil becomes good in the Eyes of God.
This is an excellent reminder that God can work through any situation. It does not matter what we think we have done. The reality is that God can accomplish anything through the mess. No matter what you think you have done wrong, I know that God can turn it to something magnificat. It just takes us to look for the great things He is doing.
I purchased the Logos Bible Software about seven years ago. I have found it to be an invaluable resource in preparing sermons and Bible Study. There are a multitude of editions from the basic novice to the expert scholar. I would recommend this software to anyone looking to purchase a Bible Study program. More information is available at logos.com. I mention this software because it is the source of what I hope (pray to keep) as the source of the content of the blog. It comes from one tool in particular, the Bible reading plan.
Two years ago, I planned a Bible study using the Bible Reading plan to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I invited as many people from the church to join me. We meet on Tuesdays over lunch to encourage everyone, look at what we read and what we were to read the next week. I recieved some feedback on the plan and now, I think I might just make the 90 plan come again. This summer I plan on putting together a reading list to read the entire Bible in June, July and August. Sermons on Sunday will be chosen from the readings of the coming week. So, I will be forced to preach on texts that will challenge myself and the congregation. I hope folks from the congregation will join along. But that is not the topic of the day.
I am currently reading the Bible using the whole Bible in a year plan from the Logos Software. I just started this plan and today I finished Genesis. The end of Genesis focuses on the death of Jacob and Joseph, Jacob's son. The chapters speak of reconciliation between the family and the struggle and worries of Joseph's brothers. The theme that caught my eye was the quote, " 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them" (Genesis 50:19-21, New International Version)
Many are the times we make plans. Sometimes this plans are for the benefit of others. Some of the plans are for the destruction of others. What this passage reminds me is that our plans are not the end all. Joseph's brothers were selfish and jealous of there brother. He had dreams that portrayed all his older brothers and parents bowing before him. Joseph was also the favorite son of Jacob. This made the other 10 brothers very upset (this is an understatement). They wanted to kill him, but ratehr they sold him into slavery to make money for themselves. Then, they lied to their father about the reality of Joseph's life. All of these acts were made in selfish jealous rage.
All these plans were made by people. They were the desire of humans. Yet, God used these selfish acts to bring about good. For as the story goes forward, Joseph is put through the tests in Egypt. Eventually he finds favor in Egypt and becomes the head honcho. In this time, Joseph learn that a famine will be coming and he prepares all of Egypt for the famine. It is through this preparation, all of the people of the starting nation of Israel are saved. Joseph's position allows him to bring his family to Egypt and save them. What was planned as evil becomes good in the Eyes of God.
This is an excellent reminder that God can work through any situation. It does not matter what we think we have done. The reality is that God can accomplish anything through the mess. No matter what you think you have done wrong, I know that God can turn it to something magnificat. It just takes us to look for the great things He is doing.
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